20 Movies That Made Billions But the Stars Got Paid Nothing

Some movies rake in billions at the box office, becoming cultural giants that dominate conversations and theater screens. Yet, not every actor who helps create these massive hits gets a paycheck to match. It’s surprising how often stars, especially those early in their careers or in unique deals, walk away with shockingly little for roles in films that make history.

This article dives into 20 films that grossed over a billion dollars worldwide but paid their key actors next to nothing. From superhero epics to animated classics, these stories reveal the wild gaps between a movie’s success and what its stars took home.

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

The galaxy far, far away launched a franchise that changed cinema, grossing over a billion with inflation-adjusted figures. Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, earned just $7,500 for her iconic role.

Fisher’s small paycheck came because she was a newcomer, and the studio didn’t expect the film to become a phenomenon. Her wit and strength made Leia a legend, but her bank account didn’t reflect it.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

This low-budget horror flick scared up over a billion when adjusted for inflation, thanks to its groundbreaking found-footage style. The three leads, Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard, were paid about $1,000 each.

With a $60,000 budget, the actors worked grueling shoots, improvising most scenes. Their raw performances drove the film’s success, but they saw little of the massive profits.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

This Marvel juggernaut grossed over $2 billion, uniting heroes in an epic showdown. Chris Hemsworth, as Thor, earned a modest $5 million compared to the film’s haul.

Hemsworth’s star was rising, but his early MCU contracts locked him into lower pay. His commanding performance didn’t translate to a blockbuster paycheck this time.

American Pie (1999)

This teen comedy became a cultural hit, earning over a billion with inflation adjustments. Seann William Scott, playing Stifler, pocketed just $8,000 for his breakout role.

Scott’s wild energy made Stifler unforgettable, but the studio bet on unknowns to keep costs low. The gamble paid off for the film, not for Scott’s wallet.

Boyhood (2014)

Filmed over 12 years, this drama grossed over a billion with inflation and critical acclaim. Patricia Arquette, who won an Oscar, said she paid her dog walker more than she earned.

Arquette’s role as the family matriarch was central, but the film’s experimental nature meant tiny paychecks. Her dedication shaped a masterpiece, yet she barely broke even.

Captain Phillips (2013)

This tense thriller, grossing over a billion adjusted, showcased Barkhad Abdi as a pirate leader. He earned $65,000 despite an Oscar-nominated performance.

Abdi, a first-time actor, brought raw intensity, but his lack of experience meant a minimal salary. He later struggled financially, showing the gap between fame and fortune.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Gal Gadot’s superhero turn helped this DC hit gross over $1 billion. She was paid $300,000, a fraction of what male leads often earn.

Gadot’s fierce portrayal launched her to stardom, but her rising-star status kept her pay low. The film’s success didn’t yet translate to her bank account.

Iron Man (2008)

This MCU kickstarter grossed over $1 billion adjusted, reviving Robert Downey Jr.’s career. He earned just $2 million for his game-changing Tony Stark role.

Downey’s past struggles made studios cautious, offering him a modest deal. His electric performance set up future riches, but not for this film.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Heath Ledger’s chilling Joker helped this Batman sequel gross over $1 billion. Ledger earned around $1 million, a modest sum for such an iconic role.

Ledger’s immersive performance won a posthumous Oscar, but his pay didn’t match the film’s massive success. His legacy far outshone his paycheck.

The Avengers (2012)

This superhero team-up smashed box office records with over $1.5 billion. Chris Evans, as Captain America, earned about $3 million.

Evans was early in his MCU journey, locking him into a lower salary. His all-American hero role was key, but his pay was a fraction of the profits.

Frozen (2013)

Disney’s icy hit grossed over $1.2 billion, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Kristen Bell, voicing Anna, earned around $20,000 for her role.

Bell’s warm performance powered the film’s heart, but voice actors often earn less. Her small paycheck didn’t reflect Frozen’s massive merchandising success.

Jurassic World (2015)

This dino-reboot roared to over $1.6 billion worldwide. Chris Pratt, the lead, earned $12 million—decent but small compared to the film’s haul.

Pratt’s star was rising, but his contract reflected his pre-fame status. His charm carried the film, yet his pay lagged behind its success.

The Lion King (1994)

This animated classic grossed over $2 billion with re-releases and inflation. Matthew Broderick, voicing Simba, earned around $50,000.

Voice work often pays less, and Broderick’s role was no exception. His performance shaped a generation, but his paycheck didn’t match the film’s empire.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

This swashbuckling sequel sailed to over $1 billion. Orlando Bloom, as Will Turner, earned about $5 million.

Bloom’s role was central, but his pay was modest compared to Johnny Depp’s. The film’s massive success didn’t fully reach his wallet.

Skyfall (2012)

This Bond film grossed over $1.1 billion, revitalizing the franchise. Daniel Craig earned $17 million, but supporting star Naomie Harris got far less, around $80,000.

Harris’s dynamic Moneypenny role added spark, but her smaller part meant a tiny paycheck. The film’s global success dwarfed her earnings.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Disney’s live-action remake charmed over $1.2 billion. Emma Watson, as Belle, earned $3 million upfront, modest for a lead.

Watson’s star power drove the film, but her base pay was low before bonuses. Her role’s magic didn’t fully reflect in her initial check.

Incredibles 2 (2018)

This Pixar sequel powered to over $1.2 billion. Craig T. Nelson, voicing Mr. Incredible, earned about $100,000.

Voice acting often means smaller pay, even for leads. Nelson’s heroic role fueled the film’s success, but his paycheck stayed grounded.

Aquaman (2018)

This DC hit swam to over $1.1 billion. Jason Momoa earned $7 million as the titular hero.

Momoa’s commanding presence made Aquaman a star, but his pay was modest for a billion-dollar film. His charisma outshone his earnings.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

This multiverse hit swung to over $1.9 billion. Zendaya, as MJ, earned around $2 million.

Zendaya’s emotional performance was key, but her supporting role meant a smaller salary. The film’s massive success far exceeded her pay.

Avatar (2009)

James Cameron’s epic grossed nearly $3 billion, redefining blockbusters. Zoe Saldaña earned about $4 million as Neytiri.

Saldaña’s motion-capture role was groundbreaking, but her pay was modest for such a massive hit. Her performance’s impact outstripped her paycheck.

Which of these billion-dollar films shocked you most for underpaying its stars? Drop your thoughts in the comments!